Melissa

What do you love about doing hair?I love meeting new people. Each client offers a new opportunity to create something beautiful that’s specific to that person.

What’s your secret weapon for great hair?Healthy hair is great hair. It’s all about getting regular cuts and trims and using professional products to maintain your look.

What are your style influences?60’s and 70’s Vogue, Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, Jane Birkin, David Bowie, Vivienne Westwood, and so many others.

What inspires you as a stylist?Nature, particularly the combinations of color and texture. I find spending time outside very inspiring. And I love going to a new city and walking around to see what everyone on the street is doing. People are so creative -- you never know what you’ll see.

What’s your approach with new clients?Whether I’m working with a new client or one of my regulars, listening closely is key. I focus on finding out the client’s desired style outcome as well as their needs and time available for maintenance and then together we customize a look that they’ll love.

What’s the best hair advice you’ve received?Look at the hair and watch how it moves. It will tell you everything.

What inspired you to become a hairstylist?When I was young I wanted to be a fine artist. After some research, I came to find out that the life of an artist was not always very lucrative, and I would need to work another career as well. Hair is just another medium, it made sense and I really enjoyed it!

Tell us a bit about your education and experience.I went through Aveda’s intensive Pure Talent Program and started out doing hair for fashion shoots, special occasions, and runway shows in NYC. I also got great on-the-job experience working at places like Ultra Salon in NYC as well as Method Hair and Mint Salon in Austin TX. I'm also a certified educator and a graduate of the Goldwell of New England Training Program. Staying up to date on trends and techniques is important to me, so I regularly go to cities like NYC, LA, and Las Vegas to attend hair shows and conferences and take part in top continuing education programs like the Redken Symposium and Kevin Murphy’s “White Box” program in Seattle.

Life interests outside of work?Spending time with my three Chihuahua mixes – having them around has really improved my life. Being outside, whether it’s hiking, swimming, or riding my Harley Davidson. Going out dancing is also high on the list and I love to cook, especially for the people I love. For me, cooking is a way to express how much I care about my loved ones.